Information about conditions
is provided as a service to our patients for educational purposes only. "If
you understand your condition, you will be able to do the things necessary to
rehabilitate much faster." Please feel free to print the information so
that you can refer to it often. Sharing of information is quite risky, however.
Do not presume that information is meant for you if you have not seen the doctor
and received a specific diagnosis. Some conditions share similar symptoms but
require very different treatment. If you have friends or family who may have
similar symptoms, pleaseschedule
an appointmentto see the doctor.

Knee Sprain

Also Known As: Knee ligament tear, knee ligament
injury.

Knee sprain means that you have injured one of the ligaments
around the knee joint. Saying you have a "knee sprain" is not a terribly useful
diagnosis for two reasons: ·

First: it does not tell you which ligament is
injured. This is important because different ligaments are treated very
differently. For example, ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries
often need surgical reconstruction. On the other hand MCL (medial collateral
ligament) injuries seldom require surgery.

Second: it does not tell you how badly the
ligament is injured. The reason this is important is that minor injuries
usually require simple treatment. More severe injuries may require more
substantial treatment, rehabilitation, and if not handled properly at
first, possibly surgery.

The tissues of the knee that are usually sprained in
the order of frequency are:

Joint Capsule

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) Injuries

PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) Injuries

MCL (medial collateral ligament) Injuries

LCL (lateral collateral Ligament

Medical Meniscus

Lateral Meniscus

It is rare that sprains of the
knee affect only one of the tissues above and rarely is attention required
to only one as sell. That is why I have provided this information all together.
Rehabilitation of the knee joint must be approached as a unit. Often, when
surgery is performed, post surgical rehabilitation focuses on one ligament
or disc only and fails to involve the other structures.

Symptoms also include:

Pain on walking, running or standing.

Pain when you lie on your side in bed.

Pain on the outside of the thigh and down the side
of the leg.

Difficulty going up or down stairs

Pain in the back of the leg which is often worse at
night.

Stiffness in the back of the leg and knee joint.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for knee sprain? Without
treatment, including exercise, the knee frequently permanently loses full function.
The knee joint is susceptible to osteoarthritis, which if left untreated, stimulates
a great deal of knee replacement surgery nowadays. With treatment, however,
knee pain can be relieved and full function can be restored. Other surgeries
are becoming very popular when patients prefer not to exercise. Exercise, however
is always required after surgery to be successful. Thus, we prefer to follow
the exercise protocols strictly and avoid surgery if possible.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

Physical therapy of the knee joint, supporting muscles and
tissues is critical for several days at first and then 3 times a week for
a few weeks with the onset of exercises

Sometimes, Manipulation of the spine and surrounding tissue
relieves the stress on the muscle attachments.

Immobilization may be necessary to prevent further tearing
of the ligamentous tissue

Proper exercises begun at the right time will reduce the
strain on the muscles and improve function.

Elimination of repetitive friction motions will relieve
the symptoms.

Recommendations:

For acute situations, utilize ice packs on the affected
area until numbness is reached.

Eliminate bent leg weight bearing and rotational torsion

Electrical stimulation and Ultrasound therapy is effective
in the healing process.

Manipulation of the lower back, pelvis, hip and knee may
be indicated.

At the appropriate time, stretches and strengthening exercises
should be implemented in the treatment regimen. The rehabilitation protocols
are the most important part of the treatment if surgery is to be avoided.

Bracing may be indicated at first.

Glucosamine Sulphate has proven effective in helping to
reduce the rate of cartilage deterioration in weight bearing joints such as
the knee.

Maintenance: Regular spinal adjustments are important
to reduce the symptoms of bursitis. Patients who receive monthly spinal manipulation
and therapy report fewer complications with bursitis. It is important that you
follow your physician's advice about the frequency of treatment for your particular
condition. Follow our wellness recomendations
for absolute health.